The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has scheduled June 9, 2026, to deliver its ruling on the bail application filed by social media personality and relationship coach, Blessing Nkiruka Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu fixed the date after listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution regarding her request for bail.
Representing the defendant, counsel P.I. Nwafuru urged the court to grant his client bail on favourable terms. He informed the court that the application, filed on May 15, was backed by a six-paragraph affidavit and supporting exhibits.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its counsel Suleiman Suleiman, opposed the request. The prosecution relied on a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit filed on May 29 by the agency’s investigating officer, Bufa Regina Okangbe.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly failed to honour invitations from the Commission at certain stages of the investigation, raising concerns about granting her bail.
The prosecution therefore asked the court to reject the application and instead allow for an accelerated hearing of the case.
During the proceedings, the EFCC presented its first witness, investigator Bufa Regina Okangbe, who outlined findings from the agency’s investigation into the alleged fraud.
The witness told the court that the investigation began after a petition was received and assigned to her team. A Bank Verification Number (BVN) search allegedly uncovered multiple bank accounts linked to the defendant, prompting requests for financial records from several banks as well as inquiries to the Lagos State Land Bureau regarding ownership of the disputed property.
According to the witness, the complainant allegedly paid a total of ₦36 million to secure a lease on a property located at No. 1B Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos. The funds reportedly consisted of ₦25 million paid into a GTBank account and another ₦11 million transferred into an Access Bank account linked to the defendant.
Further analysis of the transactions allegedly revealed several subsequent transfers, including payments to individuals and entities connected to the case.
The witness also stated that the property in question was later reclaimed by its alleged owner, who reportedly evicted the complainant after renovation work had already commenced on the building.
Under cross-examination, Okangbe maintained that the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the prosecuting authority, was not aware of any private settlement arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner. She also said she had no knowledge of any alleged refund of ₦24 million claimed by the defence.
Following the testimony, Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case until June 22, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
Blessing CEO is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and alleged theft. Prosecutors claim she fraudulently obtained ₦36 million from a client by representing herself as having authority to lease a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos, an allegation she denies.
